FARGO, N.D. - This year's winter wheat crops in the Dakotas are forecast to be down significantly from last year.

The Agriculture Department forecasts North Dakota's production to be down 50 percent, to about 2.9 million bushels. The main reason is fewer acres for harvest.

In South Dakota, where winter wheat is a more prevalent crop, production is forecast to be down 32 percent to 43.7 million bushels. Fewer acres for harvest also is the main reason for the drop in that state.

Average winter wheat yield in North Dakota is expected to be up slightly. In South Dakota, the average yield is forecast to be down a couple of bushels from last year's record.